EI-YOUTH (Developing Ecological Intelligence in Young People through Collaborative Mapping to Promote Sustainable European Citizenship) is an Erasmus+ Youth Together project that empowers young people to become active contributors to a more sustainable and inclusive Europe.

Climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and other environmental challenges require more than awareness—they require informed, engaged and responsible citizens. EI-YOUTH responds to this need by helping young people develop Ecological Intelligence: the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to understand the relationship between people and the environment, make responsible decisions, and take meaningful action within their communities.

At the heart of the project is an innovative Collaborative Mapping Methodology, which combines non-formal education with digital mapping, locative media and participatory learning. Young people work together to identify eco-social challenges in their local communities, document them through interactive maps and multimedia content, and co-create practical solutions that promote sustainable citizenship.

EI-YOUTH brings together youth organisations from Spain, Belgium, Italy, Slovenia, Greece, Finland and Türkiye to jointly develop innovative educational resources, train youth workers and create opportunities for international cooperation. Through research, training activities, local mapping projects and a shared digital platform, the project strengthens youth participation, environmental responsibility and European cooperation.

The project will deliver the EI-YOUTH Methodology, a comprehensive training programme for youth workers, the Eco-Social Global Mapping Hub, local collaborative mapping projects, the EI-YOUTH INFOBOOK, and practical tools that enable young people to transform learning into concrete community action. These results will remain freely available beyond the project’s lifetime, ensuring long-term impact across Europe.

Through collaboration, innovation and active participation, EI-YOUTH supports the objectives of the EU Youth Strategy, the European Green Deal, and the vision of building a greener, more resilient and more sustainable Europe led by informed and empowered young citizens.